American Jewish Archives Journal

still in need of assistance. I seemed to have a good chance when the Osborne
Association which is devoted to prison work, probation, juvenile delinquency,
and similar topics wanted me to make a study on the correctional system
of New Jersey, but until now, we did not succeed in financing this project.
Applications made to the Oberlaender Trust, the Emergency Committee
in Aid of Displaced Foreign Scholars, and the Rockefeller Foundation were
rejected because the Osborne Association is not in a position of promising me
a permanent employment. There is still a possibility of getting a fellowship
from the Social Research Council in New York City, but the grants of this
foundation are given as late as April 1 st , 1941, and I am very much afraid
that I cannot wait so long a time, so much the more as my wife on whose
earnings we are now living will lose her job in December; the factory where
she is employed only does season work. So, if you learn something about a
job of any kind for which I might be fitted I should be very grateful if you
informed me about such an opportunity. I thought of perhaps accepting
some small intermediate job until I could start working with the Osborne
Association, though, in New York City at least, it seems to be rather hard to
find even this kind of situation. On the other hand, the Oberlaender Trust is
still prepared to assist me if I find a position in a college or a university with
some prospect of permanency. Thanking you again very much,
I am, most sincerely yours,
Riesman replied on 31 October:
I am sorry to hear of your difficulties in securing employment under the auspices
of the Osborne Association. I should be very glad to inform you of any
position which comes to my attention for which you are fitted, although my
chief problem is usually locating positions for men, rather than finding men
to fit particular positions. I hope that your efforts will be at last successful,
and would like to hear what progress you make.
Sincerely yours,
Occasionally hope flickered. On 3 December 1940, Erwin wrote to
Riesman again:
Dear Professor Riesman,
May I ask for your kind assistance in the following matter?
One Mr. Kenneth Morgan in Ann Arbor Mich., a person, I am told, of great
influence, 7 is negotiating with the University of Michigan about employing
me as a research worker or an instructor. My employment very probably will
be financed by the Oberlander Trust in Philadelphia Pa. and the National
Refugee Service in New York City.
Place of Birth • 59